How to Cook Perfect Basmati Rice Every Time | Fail-Proof Recipe, by هدوء الطبخ Peaceful Cooking on YouTube. 3 min 16 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 16 s
- Time to do it
- 35 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Rinse the rice in cold water two or three times until the water runs almost clear. Soak it in fresh water for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain well.
Heat a little oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cloves and cardamom pods and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the grated garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add the drained rice and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes so every grain gets coated in the spiced oil.
Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp vegetable bouillon and ½ tsp black pepper. Add the dried chili if you want heat.
Pour in about 3 cups (750 ml) hot water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to the lowest setting and cover with a tight lid.
Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Turn off the heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Pick out the whole spices, scatter fresh coriander on top and serve.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not stir the rice once the water is boiling, or the grains will break and turn sticky.
Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid so the steam stays in and the rice cooks evenly.
Taste a grain at 12 minutes. If it is still firm, add a splash of hot water and cook 3 minutes more.
The whole spices are not meant to be eaten, so remove them before serving.
Questions
Do I have to soak the basmati rice?
Soaking for 15 to 20 minutes helps the grains cook evenly and stay separate. If you are short on time, rinse well and add 2 to 3 extra minutes to the simmer.
What water ratio should I use for basmati rice?
Use about 1½ cups of water for every cup of soaked rice, so roughly 3 cups for 2 cups of rice. A little more water is fine if you like softer rice.
Can I make this without a rice cooker?
Yes. A pot with a tight lid on low heat works well. Keep the lid on during the simmer so the steam does the cooking.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
